France and Canada are commemorating the foundation of the city of Quebec in 1608 by Samuel Champlain who originated from the Charente Maritime area of France and the 400 years of French presence in North America.

centre for european culture

David Chauveau

26 January 2009

For this occasion and until the end of 2009, the Centre of National Monuments presents "La Rochelle – Quebec, Set Sail for the New France", a permanent exhibition held in the newly restored and converted "Tour de la Chaîne".
This permanent exhibition, set out over three floors, deals with the origins of the migrants, their arrival at La Rochelle, the port of embarkation to the "New World", as well as the dreams and the fears they had before their crossing.